Two more JPSC exams cancelled amidst Jharkhand student protests; find out how many exams have been cancelled so far.
Amidst persistent student protests and discussions with the Jharkhand government, a consensus has been reached to cancel the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination, as well as two backlog examinations scheduled for 2023 and 2025.
Jharkhand Student Protest: The ongoing student agitation regarding alleged irregularities in government recruitment exams in Jharkhand is back in the spotlight following a major decision by the government. A consensus has been reached to cancel the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination and two backlog exams (for 2023 and 2025) following continuous protests and talks with the government. Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of these exams in the Legislative Assembly. Additionally, plans to investigate certain other exams and form an expert committee to reform the recruitment system have been revealed. However, no consensus has yet been reached on the students' major demands—specifically, the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam and a CBI inquiry into the entire matter. Let us now look at which exams have been cancelled so far during the Jharkhand student movement and what will happen to the students who had previously qualified. Will the exams be held again?
Which exams have been cancelled so far?
Amidst the student protests, the government decided to cancel the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination and the JPSC backlog exams for 2023 and 2025. Consequently, an agreement has been reached to cancel three JPSC exams during this agitation. Students had long been raising questions regarding alleged irregularities in these exams. Protesters were demanding transparency in the examination process, an investigation into the alleged malpractices, and action against those responsible.
What happens to candidates who had qualified, and when will the re-examination take place?
Following the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination, the results declared based on this exam will not be taken forward, as the examination has been completely scrapped. Meanwhile, the date for the new examination has not yet been announced; while the government has decided to cancel the exams, no information has been provided regarding when the re-examination will be conducted.
Why did the exams in Jharkhand become a subject of controversy? Following the announcement of the results for the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, questions were raised regarding the cut-off marks and the results process. Students subsequently demanded an investigation into alleged irregularities and the cancellation of the exam. After sustained protests, talks were held between the government and the agitating students, resulting in an agreement to cancel the 14th JPSC preliminary exam.
However, the JSSC-CGL examination remains a major issue in the ongoing agitation. Students are demanding the cancellation of this exam and a CBI inquiry into the entire matter, but the state government has not yet acceded to this demand. The government maintains that the JSSC-CGL exam was conducted in compliance with High Court and Supreme Court directives and that the process is under judicial oversight. Furthermore, the results have been declared, and successful candidates have already been appointed; consequently, the government asserts that it cannot unilaterally cancel the exam.
What are the students' key demands regarding the agitation?
In addition to the cancellation of the controversial exams, students are demanding a CBI inquiry into alleged irregularities, reforms in the recruitment process, transparency in examinations and results, and action against those found guilty. The government claims to have accepted approximately 98 percent of the students' demands. Student leaders, however, state that several crucial demands remain unfulfilled; specifically, they persist in their demand for the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam and a CBI probe into the entire affair.
How long has this student agitation been going on?
The agitation by students in Jharkhand against alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC exams began on July 24, followed by continuous protests in Ranchi. During the movement, students staged sit-ins and even attempted to lay siege to the Legislative Assembly. The situation escalated further following police action against the protesters. In protest, the BJP called for a state-wide shutdown, leading to demonstrations, road blockades, and detentions in various locations, including Ranchi.
